The story behind Scottish chef Gordon Ramsay is one you’d rarely find in any industry let alone the restaurant business. After a strong start as head chef, Ramsay opened up his first restaurant in Chelsea, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay. It marked the beginning of what would become the most impressive restaurant empire in the business. In total, Ramsay currently owns and/or operates 26 restaurants around the world. That’s not including the dozen or so that ended up being closed. The catalyst to his empire was partnering with the Blackstone Group and opening up restaurants in hotels.
You can find most of his successful restaurants in England, but he also has restaurants in United Arab Emirates, France, Japan, Qatar, Australia, Italy and South Africa. Of course, he also has his feet on the ground in the United States in West Hollywood, fitting for the every growing television personality. Outside of his restaurants, Ramsay has taken over pubs and made them gastropubs and is also developing his business Gordon Ramsay Plane Food.
With all that said, let’s try and make sense of Ramsay’s vast empire. He’s one of the chefs with the most Michelin Stars in the world so if you’re looking to dine at one of his spots, here are the top five…
5.) Gordon Ramsay au Trianon, Versailles, France
When you see Versailles, France you automatically assume elegance and brilliance. Fitting because the 2-Michelin-starred Gordon Ramsay au Trianon is where exquisite French cuisine is prepared with a beautiful ambiance of the Parc de Versailles. You better make some reservations and be prepared to spend because the restaurant has a mere ten tables and is very exclusive.
4.) Maze, London, England
Maze is a Gordon Ramsay chain with locations in New York, South Africa, Qatar and Australia. It all started in London where the French and Asian influenced cuisine is to die for. The Michelin-starred restaurant has a beautifully designed ambiance and is one of the premier sushi restaurants in the world.
3.) Petrus, London, England
Petrus is an interesting story as Ramsay opened it in 1999 then subsequently closed it in 2008. The restaurant has since reopened in 2010 in London, England is is clearly one of his best restaurants in the world. The reopenings aren’t necessarily a product of poor food or appreciation, but more a product of location. Serving French cuisine, this Michelin-starred restaurant is Ramsay’s most-polarizing, but still one of his best.
2.) Gordon Ramsay at The London, New York City, New York
Gordon Ramsay at The London is sheer luxury. Having several locations within The London Hotel, the New York City location is two Michelin-starred and sheer magic. If you’re in New York and want a taste and feel of the elegance of France look no further. For those big spenders, book the Chef’s Table, which resides within the multi-million dollar kitchen and seats eight for a ten-course tasting.
1.) Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, London, England
The Restaurant Gordon Ramsay is where it all started for the world famous chef. The restaurant quickly became one of the tops in the world making Ramsay the first ever Scottish three-Michelin-starred chef ever. It opened in 1998 and just recently underwent an art deco redesign giving it a fresh feel. As for the food, you guessed it, brilliant French cuisine.
Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
